Late-Round Rookies Who Can Make an Impact

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PHILADELPHIA - DECEMBER 28: Tashard Choice #23 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles on December 28, 2008 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)

Last year many rookies played a big part in their teams success.

Whether it was Matt Ryan having one of the best statistical seasons from a rookie quarterback in this decade, Tashard Choice filling in for his first-round counterpart quite well, or Carl Nicks making the Pro Bowl recently rookies have been quite productive.

In this article I'm going to show five rookies who may help their team this year.

Ramses Barden (Giants)

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - MAY 09: Ramses Barden #13 of the New York Giants works out at rookie camp on May 9, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

I know rookie receivers rarely make a huge impact, but Barden has the chance to be this years Marques Colston. In a wide-open receiver competition, Barden has been having a great camp, and at 6'6" looks to be a great red-zone target. Also, his hands are HUGE.

Javon Ringer (Titans)

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 1: Running back Javon Ringer #23 of the Michigan State Spartans rushes upfield against the Georgia Bulldogs at the 2009 Capital One Bowl at the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2009 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Ima

After rushing for over 4,000 yards and being a Heisman candidate, you would assume Javon Ringer would be a first-round pick, but a so-so senior year and low combine numbers due to a minor knee injury lead to being picked in the fifth round.

Now healthy and on a team that loves to run the ball, Ringer has chance to make some noise his rookie year.

Phil Loadholt (Vikings)

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 24: Phil Loadholt #79 of the North team during the Under Armour Senior Bowl on January 24, 2009 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images for Under Armour)

At 6'8" and 343 lbs.m Phil Loadholt is mountain of a man. He will be given many opportunities to win the starting RT job from incumbent Ryan Cook.

Besides, who wouldn't want to block for one of the best young running backs in the league.

Jason Phillips (Ravens)

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 23: Linebacker Jason Phillips of Texas Christian runs during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 23, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

A tackling machine and emotional leader on arguably one of the nation's best defenses the past four years, Jason Phillips couldn't have landed in a better scenario. Ozzie Newsome's great eye for talent, and Baltimore's reputation for great linebackers bode well for this kid.

Fili Moala (Colts)

STANFORD, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Tavita Pritchard #14 of the Stanford Cardinals is sacked by Fili Moala #75 of the USC Trojans at Stanford Stadium on November 15, 2008 in Stanford, California. (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Indy has been looking for a run stuffer in the middle of their defense for some time now. Moala, a major cog in the vaunted USC defense, may just be that guy. He will get playing time early and may even be a starter before the end of the season.

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